Florida Ranks as Most Dangerous State for Pedestrians

According to a report by Washington-based Transportation for America
(T4A), Florida is the most dangerous state for pedestrians. Using a
devised rating system called the Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI), T4A
ranked Florida at 182.8. The next worst state, South Carolina, scored a
significantly lower 124.1, and only eleven states scored over 100. Not
only is Florida ranked as the overall worst, but Florida also sweeps the
top four of the rankings of the most dangerous metro areas.

The four worst areas for pedestrian safety in the United States were the
Orlando-Kissimmee metro area, Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater metro area,
Jacksonville metro area and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach metro
area. The study also showed that Hispanics, African Americans,
low-income groups, and the elderly were more susceptible to pedestrian
accident deaths.

Pedestrian fatalities represent a significant problem in the United
States, as 47,000 people were killed in the United States from
2000-2009. The National Safety Council estimates the comprehensive cost,
including both economic costs and diminished quality of life, for each
traffic death at $4.3 million. This means that in the last decade alone,
pedestrian deaths cost the United States $180 billion, and Florida alone
$22 billion.

As shown in the study by T4A, Florida consistently trends as more
dangerous than anywhere else in the country, but due to the tough
economic times, pedestrian safety may be overlooked. When money is tight
and spending needs to be cut, funding for sidewalks and bike lanes is
one of the first things to go. Without a dramatic change in policy or
resources, the state may continue to see a large number of pedestrian
accidents.

When a pedestrian is struck by a car, it is often a result of the poor
design or condition of streets, roads, and sidewalks, as well as
negligence of the other driver. If you or a loved one has been injured
in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation
for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.